Fibroblast growth factor-2 promotes recovery of pulmonary function in a canine models of elastase-induced emphysema

Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) for severe emphysema is less invasive than lung volume reduction surgery. Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) has been reported to enhance fibrogenesis and angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of BLVR with the FGF-2, and ability to reduce lung volume and promote recovery of lung function. The BLVR based on FGF-2 is less invasive than surgical procedures, and can be performed repeatedly if the effectiveness of volume reduction is inadequate. This simple bronchoscopic approach allows selective reduction in the volume of the emphysematous parenchyma, and intratracheal administration of FGF-2 induces an increase in pulmonary blood flow, thus allowing recovery of pulmonary function.